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A look at Isabel Hall's debut collection, "New York Romantic"

April 14, 2017

23-year-old designer Isabel Hall describes her debut collection as “New York Romantic.” Athletic, boyish, and casual, the designs draw inspiration from distinct New York City iconography—baggy jeans and skate culture pulled from films like Kids, traditional ubiquitous city imagery like bodega "Thank You” plastic bags, and the DIY spirit of silk screening and appliqué.

At its core, Hall’s collection is “based on the attitude of New York women.” With oversized silhouettes and color schemes inspired by uniforms (navy blue, forest green, camel), the pieces emerge from Hall’s desire to create edgy workwear for women. Through her informal take on power suits—a woman’s power suit without the shoulder pads—the collection eschews traditional feminine cuts, but doesn’t lose the power or shape.

Yet her pieces are still filled with strong feminine elements. One of the standout garments—a shimmering jumpsuit worn by Rihanna in the “This Is What You Came For” music video, made when Hall was still a student at the Pratt Institute—is an extension of boxer shorts and socks the designer made from the same material. Here, she has transformed an ultra-feminine fabric into a shapeless one-piece that is truly antithetical to girlie, skimpy lingerie. The way Hall weaves femininity into comfortable, traditionally masculine cuts and injects youth into her garments is a nod to both the versatility and confidence of New York women, and the illustrious coolness of the city itself.

See more from Isabel Hall here, and check out our feature on Maxine Ashley here.

Hardy's Heel

Since 1999, Pierre Hardy’s perspective on shoes is that of a sculptural work of art.

Now honoring the brand’s 20th anniversary, the luxury footwear company celebrates with a reimagined release of Hardy’s iconic shoe, “Blade."

From the side, this classic stiletto appears as usual, but with a simple shift in angle, the newly-shaped heel is revealed.

In the words of Hardy himself, “I have this fantasy of total creativeness. Even if inspiration can come from everywhere, this dynamism towards tomorrow, this momentum towards the future fascinates me.”

LRS S/S '20

September 11, 2019

Never symmetrical, barely held together, always oversized or outlandishly cut. Sometimes simply shredded. This was the essence of the LRS S/S '20 show.

The young brand was launched in NYC in 2014 by former Proenza Schouler designer Raul Solis, but its collections are anything but novice. Showing a soft spot for its hardcore mullet-sporting and piercing-studded fans, attendees line around the block at every show.

The Elizabeth Street show was no different. For the collection, Solis channeled the brooding energy of a group of models who seemed to have all gotten up on the wrong side of the bed after a long night spent watching A Clockwork Orange. We’re talking waterline eyeliner, goth formal, vampire-casual looks.

Hues of purple, red, and black, laid against studs, chains, and leathers stole the show entirely. Most memorably was the prominent double tank top worn (sort of) with one end upside down across the models’ legs. See for yourself below.

Sandy Liang S/S '20

September 11, 2019

This highly wearable collection is a full-throated ode to simplicity and balance.

Full of beautiful and seamless pairings, the collection features red gingham skirts paired with sheer white blouses, and acid-washed denim sets left breezily unbuttoned. Familiar shades and shapes are disrupted by a tulle cape here or a garter strap detail there.

There’s a hint of trendiness in the floral prints and feminine ruching. As a whole, the show is a modest display of sweet silhouettes that radiate a sense of comfort.

While evolving into contemporary prints and creative colorways, Liang also references her earlier collections, preserving her ability to construct pieces that are at once forward-facing and tenderly nostalgic.